Serve | Normandale Housing Ministry

We are called to help those in need in our city and our community. We don’t have to look far to find those who could use our love and support. We touch their lives and they touch ours. Join us as we serve others in the Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis.

Through Normandale Housing Ministry, we assist, empower, and partner with families seeking transition from homelessness to independent living. Using a holistic model and partnerships, we provide housing, support services, and education.

In 1993, Normandale Lutheran Church chose to work in partnership with Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church to develop an “interim house” as a way for homeless people to enter the mainstream of society. With financial help from the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency and the Normandale Church Foundation, we purchased a triplex on Chicago Avenue and formed the Normandale Housing Corporation. After being restored, decorated, and furnished, “Normandale House” opened in November 1996. Since then, it has been a home to over 40 families.

In 2007, we formed a partnership with Urban Homeworks to acquire four duplexes on Elliot Avenue offering permanent affordable housing. While Urban Homeworks manages the properties, we provide families with support services.

Ministry Opportunities

Support Team: Two individuals per family (and our case manager) meet regularly with families to help them achieve their goals.

Family Friends: An individual or entire family commits to engage in periodic social activities with a Normandale House family.

Reading Buddies: A service opportunity for Normandale youth (grades 7-12) to spend time each week eating, reading, and playing with Normandale House children. Reading Buddies typically meets on Mondays from 5:30-8:00 pm, with transportation to Normandale House and dinner provided. If you are interested in participating, we ask that you commit to participating at least once a month. Be a reading buddy, make a kid smile. Contact Maggie Jones at mjones@normluth.org / 952.929.1697 x369 to join us!

Reading Buddies (provide dinner): Each Monday night, Reading Buddies and students share a meal together. Help us provide and prepare meals for 20 kids and family members. Meals may be pre-made and dropped off at church.

New Resident Preparation: Teams and individuals clean, furnish, and fix up apartments as needed.

Norma's Closet (household supplies): Many families cannot afford to buy cleaning supplies, children's medications, bathroom essentials, and more as they are not covered by food stamps/SNAP. Help us fill Norma's Closet! It is located in the lower level of Normandale Lutheran Church, near the preschool entrance.